Primary battery.



ERY.

Patenteii (Est. 5, "1915. 2 SHEER-SHEET! 6 flea {A Wm M A. L. SALTZMAN. PRIMARY BATTERY. APPLICkTION FILED FEE. 20. 19H.

Patented Cat. 5, 1915.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2.

W llwimh TINTTED ETATES PATENT @FlElltJlE.

.iiUSTE L. SALTZMAN, OF EAST ORANGE, NEWJERSEY, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENTS, TO NEW JERSEY PATENT COMPANY, OF WEST ORANGE, NEW JERSEY, A

CORPORATION on NEW JERSEY.

PRIMARY BATTERY.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed February 20, 1911. Serial No. 609,618.

ments in Primary Batteries, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates generally to 1mprovements 1n prlmary or voltaic batteries,

. and more particularly to that class in which the negative electrode consists of a plate of oXid of copper or other depolarizing agent properly molded and agglomerated, and the positive electrode of which consists of a plate or plates of zinc. r

My invention includes improvements on the structure described in the patent to Eben G. Dodge, No. 89%,487, granted July 28, 1908; and the object of my invention is to simplify, cheapen and render more efficient the construction of batteries of the above described class.

More particularly,-one object of my invention is the provision of means for rendering the supporting structure of the posi' tive and negative electrode plates more rigid in a simple and efficient manner,-so that the liability of contact between the positive and negative plates and consequent short circuiting is materially decreased.

Another object of my invention is the provisionof a simple and efficient electrical and mechanical connection between the support for a battery plate and the head of the supporting bolt;

Another object of my invention is the provision of means for preventing the distortion of the supporting frame of the battery plates when the frame is clamped to the jar top.

Another object ofmy invention is the improvement in. the electrical contacts between the portions of the supporting frame of the negative electrode plate.

My invention consists further in the details of construction and combinations of parts hereinafter more particularly described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, and in which like reference characters refer to like parts in the several VIGWSLEIgUI'G 1 1S side elevation, partly in section, of a portion of a battery embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is a transverse vertical section thereof showing also certain parts omitted in Fig. 1; Fig. 8 1s a plan view, partly in section, on the line 33 in Fig. 1; Fig. 4: is a, perspective view of a fragment of the horizontal portion of a supporting frame embodying a feature of my invention; Fig. 5 1s a side elevation, partly in section, of a portion of a battery embodying a modified form of my invention-Fig. 6 is a transverse vertical section thereof; Fig. 7. is a side elevation, partly in section, of a portion of al-battery embodying certain features of my invention applied to a modified 'form of frame or hanger for the battery plates; and Fig. 8 is a central transverse vertical section through a portion of the structureshownin Fig; 6 with the battery plate and insulating blocks omitted. I

' Referring to Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive, the top or cover of the battery jar is shown-at 1. The numeral 2, indicates a frame or hanger preferably constructed of a strip of sheet copper or copper plated iron or steel, the edges of said strip being turned up to such an extent as to lie flat against the bevel edges of the negative electrode plate 3. The plate 3 is preferably of copper oxid. The cross section of the hanger is channeh shaped with the walls of the channel inclined away from each other as is clearly shown in Fig. 3. The hanger 2 is prefer- ]Patented Oct. 5, 1915.

ably given theform of an inverted U, the

two arms or depending portions of which hold the edges of the negative plate 3. The said plate 3) fits into the channels of the hanger 2 and. is held in said hanger by tips 4- formed in the lower ends thereof. The plate 3 is also furtherclamped in the hanger by a horizontal orosspiece or bridging member 5 preferably of similar material and cross-section to the hanger 2, and secured at either end to the sides of the hanger by end projections 6 which extend through openings 8 in the hanger and are bent into clamping position against the outside of the hanger. The bridging member 5 is also provided at its ends with upturned projections or lugs 9 which are wedged into frictional engagement with the walls of the hanger, as is clearly shown in Figs. 3 and 5. The upturned projections 9 wedged into this position cooperate with the end pro ective to the hanger 2.

tions 6 to render the hanger structure rigid and to prevent the rotation of the bridging member 5 about its longitudinal axis rela- The sides of the bridgin g lnember 5 are provided with depending lips 10 'having trapezoidal openingstherein registering with a similar opening in 'the .plate 3..

The zinc or positive electrode plates ofthe battery indicated at 11 are secured to an insulating block or blocks 12' and to the bridging member 5 by a suitable bolt 13. \Vashers 30 and 31 of conducting material are provided between the zinc plates 11 and the head and nut of the bolt 13 respectively. A conducting wire 32 is secured between the washer 80 and the head of the bolt 13. The zinc plates 11 are in electrical connection with each other and with the conducting wire 32 through the washers 30 and 31 and the bolt 13. The b1ocks-12 extend through theopenings in the bridging member 5 and plate 3. Thus, the zinc plates are supported from the bridging member and insulated therefrom. An advantage of the construction described is that, if from any cause, there is a force tending to bring either of the zinc plates into contact with the oxid of copper plateythis tendency is effectively opposed by the upturned rojections 9 wedged between the walls oithe hanger. Furthermore, the electrical connection between the hanger and the oXid of copper plate is improved by the intimate contact between the upturned projections and the walls of the hanger 2.

\Vhen the bridging member is madc of sheet metal 'the projections (3 and 9 may be blanked out of the metal piece before the same is shaped. The bridging member, however, may be made in any suitable manner, for example, by casting.

As a means for supporting the frame and the battery plates from the car cover, I have used a suitable bolt 14 which is preferably screw threaded throughout its length. The

said bolt is provided with a head having'a' block shaped portion 15. which is greater in size in at least one dimension than the opening for the said bolt, which is made in the.

top of the bridging'member 5, and. having also a wedge-shaped portion 16. Two upavardly extending projections 17 inwardly inclined are provided on either side of the opening in the bridging member 5. As is clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the space between the projections 17 is less' at their upper ends than at their bases.

The projections 17 may consist of the portions of the sheet metal blanked out when the opening in the top of the bridging meaioer is made, but obviously the entire bridging member may be made in any other suitable manner. In assembling the parts, the bolt is passed through the opening in the same inclination so round the=projections l7, and a nut 19 is also privided whereby the bolt head, washer, and bridging member including the projections 17 may be drawn into close en gagement. The wedge faces of thewedgeshaped portion 16'of the bolt 14, the projections 17, and the wedge walls of the opening of the washer 18 have substantially as to afford a snug fit. The projections 17 are short enough to permit the nut 19 to be screwed into contact with the washer 18 and to exert pressure thereupon. When the parts areassembled, the block-shaped portion of the bolt head serves as the main support for'the bridging member, while the wedge-shaped'portion of the bolt head, together with the Washer 18, the nut 19, and the projections 17 on the bridging member coiioperate to render this structure rigid and afford good electrical contact. By the means described, an efficient electrical and mechanical connection between the supporting bolt and the bridging is secured.

the top of the hanger. Meansfor this, ad-.

justment is important because the oXid of copper plates are not entirely uniform in size due to the unequal shrinkage which takes place during their manufacture.

In Figs. 4 and 5 is illustrated a modification in which my improved form of bridging member having the upturned projections 9 is applied to a supporting hanger 2 which is in turn supported from the jar cover 1 by a bolt 22 having the ordinary form of wedge-shaped head 23. This improvement in the bridging member has the same advantage in this modification as was described in connection with Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive, that is to'say,'it affords a rigid connection between the bridging member andthc hanger and prevents the battery plates of opposite polarity from being displaced toward each other around the axis of the bridging member to such an extent as to come in contact with each other and cause a short circuit in the battery.

In Fig. 6 is illustrated a modification in This nut, when screwed upwhich the frame or hanger 2 consists of an inverted U-shaped strip preferably of sheetcopper or copper plated iron or steel,

.plate 3 on its top and two sides. The crosssection of the hanger is channel-shaped as in the modifications previously described in this specification. The plate 3 fits into the channels of the hanger 2 and is held in said hanger by lips formed in the lower ends of the depending arms of the hanger '3 in the manner illustrated at 4r in Figs. 1 and The horizontal portion 5 of the hanger 3 is provided with depending lips 10 adapted to receive an insulating block or blocks 12 for supporting the Zinc plates in the same manner-as in the modifications previously described. As a means for supporting these hangers from the battery cover. I have used a suitable bolt 14 which is preferably screw threaded throughout its length. The horizontal portion 5 of the hanger 2 is provided with an opening in the base of the channel having two upwardly extending projections 17 inwardly inclined at each side of the opening precisely as shown in the bridging member 5 in Figsv 1 and 2. The bolt 14 is provided with a head having a block shaped portion .15 and a wedge shaped portion 16 like the head of the bolt l-l previously described, and the said bolt head engages the horizontal portion 5 of the hanger 2 and its upwardly extending projections in the same manner as the corresponding parts'shown in Figs. 1 and 2 engage each other. A washer 1S and a nut 19 are provided for the bolt 14 and have the same structur. and serve the same function. as in Figs. 1 and The bolt 14. is provided with a spacing cylinder 24 of metal or other suitable material, one end of which rests on the nut 19. A. nut engages the upper end of the cylinder 24 and serves to hold it in place. The cylinder 24 serves not only to space the battery plates a suitable distance from the jar cover but also gives rigidity to the structure. The batterv plates and the sup porting structure including the bolt 14, sleeve Q-t and nut mav be assembled as a rigid unit, and this unit may then be attached to the jar cover. bv passing the proiecting end of the bolt 1-1 through a hole in the jar cover. and screwing down the wing nut 20. Obviously. where a jar cover having a depending spacing portion provided with a vertirallv extending hole for the bolt 14- i used. the spacing cvlinder 2 and the ut 25 may be omitted. The structure shown in Fig. is therefoie adapted to bc Hrafi interclningcablv in battery jars having a flat cover. at having a covenprovided with a depending spacing projection.

I'Iaving now described my invention, what I claim and desire to protect. by Letters Patent is as follows:

1. In a voltaic battery, the coi'nbination of a battery plate and a supporting frame therefor, said frame: con'iprising a hanger 'having depending portions channel-shaped in cross section, and a bridging member channel-slniped in cross section with its, walls depending and provided with an upturned lug located between and in engagement with the walls of one of the depend- .ing portions of the hanger, substantially as described.

in a voltaic battery, the combination of a battery plate and a supporting frame ther for, the said frame comprising a hanger having depending portions channel shaped in cross-section, and a bridging mem ber channel shaped in cross-section with its walls depending and provided with upturned lugs which are frictionally engaged with the 'alls of ,the depending portions of the hanger, substantially as described- 1 In a 'voltaic battery, the combination of a battery plate, and a supporting frame therefor, comprising a supporting member having two depending arms channel shaped in cross-section, and provided with openinns and a bridging memberhaving end projections extending through the said openings and pressed against the outer portions of the depending arms, and having upturned project-ions wedged between the walls of the said arms, substantially as described.

4. In a voltaic battery, the combination of a negative electrode plate and a supporting frame therefor, the said frame having depending arms and a bridging member raving its ends secured to the depending arms and having lugs wedged between the walls of the depending arms, and a positive electrode plate carried by and insulated from the said bridging member, substantially as described.

5. In a voltaic battery, the combination of a negative electrode plate and a supporting frame therefor, the said frame having depending arms and a-bridging member having its ends secured to the depending arms and having lugs wedgedbetween the walls of the depending arms, and a plurality of positive electrode plates carried by and insulated from the said bridging member, substantially as described.

(S. In a voltaic battery. the combination of a battery plate a channel shaped supporting member therefor having an opening in the base of the channel and having inwardly inclined project ions extending in a direction opposite to that of the walls of the channel, a supporting bolt forthe said member having a wedge shaped portion extended through-the said opening and in engagement with the said projections and means for maintaining the said parts in close engagement, substantially. as described.

7 In a voltaic battery, the combination of a battery plate, a channel shaped supporting member therefor having an opening in the base of the channel and having inwardly inclined projections extending in a direction a battery plate, a channel shaped supporting member therefor having an opening in the of a battery plate, a supportingmember base of the channel, the said member having inwardly inclined projections adjacent the opening and extending in a direction opppsite to that of the walls of the channel, a screw threaded bolt having a headportion part of which is greater in size in at least one dimension than the opening and part of which is wedge shaped, the said bolt being adapted to support the channel shaped member when the said bolt is disposed through the said opening with its wedge shaped head portion in engagement with the said in wardly inclined projections, substantially as described.

9. In a'voltaic battery, the combination of a battery plate, a channel shaped supporting member therefor having an opening in the base of the channel, the said member having inwardly inclined projections adjacent the opening and extending in a direction opposite to that of the walls of the channel, ,a screw threaded bolt having a head portion, part of which is greater in size in at least one dimension than the opening and part of which is wedge shaped, the said bolt being adapted to support the channel shaped memher when the said bolt is disposed through the said opening with its wedge shaped head portion in engagement with the said inwardly inclined projections, a Washer for engaging the said projections, and a nut for clamping together the said bolt, washer and channel shaped supporting member, substantially as describe 10. In a voltaic cell, the combination of an inverted U shaped hanger having an opening at the top, a bridging member connecting the depending portions of the hanger, a

' hanger. and bridging member ,is prevented,

substantially as described.

' 11. In a voltaiecell, the combination of a battery plate, a supporting frame therefor, comprising a U-shaped hanger and a bridging member connecting the arms of the hanger, supporting means for the frame, including a member extended through the hanger and bridging member and provided with adjustable means for preventing distortion of the frame, scribed. a

, 12. In a voltaic battery, the combination substantially as de therefor having an opening therein andhaving an inclined projection extended above said opening, a supporting bolt for said member extended through said opening and having a wedge shaped portion in engage-.

ment with said projection, a Washer having I a wedge shaped opening for engaging said projection, and means'for clamping together the said bolt, Washer, and supporting member, substantially as describe 13. In a voltaic battery, the combination of -a battery plate, .a supporting member therefor having an inclined projection extended above said opening, a supporting bolt for said member having a wedge shaped portion in engagement with said projection, a

washer having a wedge shaped opening for 4 engaging said projection and means for clamping together the said bolt, washer, and supporting member, substantially as described.

14. In a-voltaic battery, a plate supporting frame having a horizontal portion channel-shaped in cross section, the said horizontal portion being provided with an, opening in the base of the channel and inwardly inclined projections on each side of the opening extending upwardly therefrom,

and having also depending lips provided with trapezoidal openings, substantiallyas described.

This specification signed and witnessed this 17 day of February 1911.

AUGU STE L. SALTZMAN. Witnesses:

FREDERICK BAOHMANN, ANNA R. KLEI-IM.

Gerrectien in Letters Patent- Ne 1155512.

It is hereby certified that in Letters Patent N9. 1,155,512, granted October 5, 1915, upon the application of Augxiste L. Saltzrflan, of East Orange, New Jersey,

for an improt'ement in Primary Batteries, an error appears in the printeki specification requiring correction as follewsz Page line 92, after the Word bridging insert the word member; and that the saifl Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Petent dfiice.

Signed and sealed this 23rd'day of November, A. D., 1915.

[SEAL] J. T. NEWTON,

Acting Commissidner of Patents.

6i. ZO-38. 

